Related Experiment Videos
Bilateral hypoplastic calcanei
C T Mehlman1, D R Dickens, M B Menelaus
1Grandview Hospital and Medical Center, Dayton, Ohio.
Insights
A rare bilateral calcaneal hypoplasia, a condition affecting the heel bones, was observed in an infant. This congenital anomaly presented with mild gait issues in childhood but had minimal long-term impact.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Pediatric Radiology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Congenital anomalies of the foot and ankle are diverse, requiring accurate diagnosis and understanding of their impact on development.
- The calcaneus, or heel bone, is crucial for weight-bearing and gait, making its anomalies potentially significant.
- Bilateral hypoplasia, a condition of underdevelopment affecting both sides, presents unique clinical considerations.
Observation:
- A case study of a 2-month-old female infant with a previously undescribed anomaly of bilateral calcaneal hypoplasia.
- The hypoplasia involved the posterior half of each calcaneus.
- The child achieved developmental milestones for standing and walking within typical ranges, albeit with slight delays.
Findings:
- At age 5 years, the patient exhibited a mild in-toed gait, which was correctable with passive dorsiflexion.
- The primary functional limitation reported was difficulty with footwear.
- Radiographic and clinical details of this specific calcaneal anomaly were documented.
Implications:
- This case expands the spectrum of known calcaneal congenital anomalies.
- Understanding such anomalies aids in predicting potential functional outcomes and management strategies.
- Further research into the etiology of this specific calcaneal hypoplasia is warranted.
Abstract:
A previously undescribed anomaly of the calcaneus occurred in an otherwise healthy 2-month-old girl. There was marked bilateral hypoplasia of the calcanei, involving approximately the posterior half of each. The child stood at 15 months and walked at 22 months. At age 5 years, the child had a slight in-toed gait that corrected with dorsiflexion. Her only problem has been some difficulty with shoeware. The etiology of this anomaly remains conjectural.